Effect of Stockosorb~R on the Management of Bean and Cucumber Plants and Their Insect Pest, Silverleaf Whitefly, Using Three Levels of Irrigation

摘要

Soil water is an important constraint in growing vegetable crops. The unappropriate use of water in modern agriculture is strongly discouraged. The effects of deficient and of excessive soil moisture on plant growth are well known. In the present study, effect of Stockosorb, a water retaining chemical, to maintain appropriate plant health, was studied in cucumber and beans. Stockosorb~R was applied at the rate of 20 lbs/acre for each of three rates of water which were 50%, 80 %, and 100 % of recommended water practice. A control treatment was used without applying any stockosorb. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.' Vlaspic') and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in the four levels of water management program, affected populations of various insect pests.Mean numbers of silverleaf whitefly adults were significantly fewer in plants grown under low level of irrigation (50% and 80%) than those grown under high level of irrigation (100%). Foliage quality did not differ among treatments. Mean numbers of flowers and fruits were the highest when plants were grown at the lowest level of irrigation (50%).